In a significant development on the international stage, the term “President of Bharat” has been introduced officially for the first time in invitations extended to heads of state attending the G20 summit over the weekend. This change replaces the traditional usage of “President of India,” and it carries particular significance as India hosts this major event.
The invitation, sent by President Droupadi Murmu, inviting G20 foreign leaders and Chief Ministers for a dinner on September 9, now reads “President of Bharat” instead of “President of India.” Officials have noted that this marks the first alteration of India’s nomenclature for an official event.
Importantly, the term “Bharat” is enshrined in India’s Constitution, specifically in Article 1, which states, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
The use of “Bharat” has also found its way into a G20 booklet distributed to foreign delegates, titled “Bharat, The Mother Of Democracy.” This booklet underscores India’s G20 presidency and its rich democratic heritage spanning thousands of years. It opens with the words, “In Bharat that is India, taking the consent of the people in governance has been part of life since earliest recorded history.”
The change was met with approval from various quarters, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who lauded it as a step forward for the nation’s civilization.
However, the alteration in the presidential invite has triggered a strong response from the opposition.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, and a close aide of Rahul Gandhi objected to the usage of President of Bharat.
So the news is indeed true.
Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on Sept 9th in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'.
Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: “Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States.”…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 5, 2023
“Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: “Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States.” But now even this “Union of States” is under assault.”, the Congress leader said attacking the Modi government.
This development follows a suggestion made by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the ruling party, advocating for the use of “Bharat” instead of “India.” The RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat, emphasized the need to use “Bharat” consistently, asserting its timeless relevance on the global stage.
The “India versus Bharat” debate has gained momentum, especially after the opposition alliance adopted the acronym INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) in July, further fueling discussions about the country’s nomenclature and identity.